Chiral synthesis, small molecule drug

Enantiomericaiiy pure amines are commonly used as precursors for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). In 2013, one in four of the top 200 selling drugs contained a chiral amine moiety [9]. In addition, chemical synthesis of these enantiomericaiiy pure amines is critical as 80% of small-molecule pharmaceutical dmgs approved by the FDA in 2006 contained chiral centers and 75% were single enantiomers [10]. Chiral amine compounds with high optical purities can be difficult to prepare by many types of traditional catalysts. 

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